News

ANAMBRA GOVT TO COMMISSION KAOLIN PLANT BY JANUARY 2025, SAYS PROF OFOEGBU

By Adaobi Nsofor ;

Umunuko, Ukpor Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State is about to get a face-lift following the discovery of Kaolin deposits and installation of Kaolin Processing Plant in their community.

The Managing Director/CEO of Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company, Prof.Charles Ofoegbu during his tour to the site to ascertain the progress of the work assured that the project would be delivered and commissioned by Governor Chukwuma Soludo by end of January, 2025.

He noted that the old mill has been fully refurbished, assembled and put in place while they await the arrival of the R3 which has been ordered and will occupy the fourth end of the factory house.

Prof Ofoegbu enumerated that part of the project in course is the installation of the kiln plant also known as kaolin calciner which is now refurbished and reassembled.

“We have mapped out the foundation for the warehouse that will host the kiln and that will commence on Tuesday, and hopefully by weekend, the foundation must have been strong enough to carry the weight and once it is completed, we will start installing the kiln, which would be partly vertical and partly horizontal followed by roofing to have effective cooling”

Prof Ofoegbu added that the next major assignment is to bring in a high tension 300kva transformer and a big generator that can power the equipments in the absence of electricity, saying that environmental issues and health of the workers should be considered while installing the kiln dryer.

He noted that the existing offices would be furnished to house the administrative and engineering staff and the facility is equipped with digital weighing balances for precise measurements and machines for industrial bag zipping.

According to him, 3,000 bags have been produced for kaolin storage. The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) will verify the weight and standards to ensure compliance with international requirements, paving the way for exportation.

On Community Social Responsibility, Prof Ofoegbu promised that they will streetlight and grade the road that leads to the factory, while the health center in the community would be refurbished, which by extension, can serve as referral point for the factory workers in case of emergencies. He also said that some basic drugs would be supplied to the health center and all these is to ensure that the Community benefitted from the project.

While stating that Environmental Impact Assessment is ongoing following best practices, Prof Ofoegbu
emphasised that the huge project would bring about industrialization, development and employment opportunities for the community and neighbouring communities.

Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

ANAOCHA LGA CHAIRMAN IBEKWE URGES COLLABORATION TO COMBAT INSECURITY

By Chidimma Okoye :

The Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Mr. Rome Ibekwe has urged stakeholders and the public to join forces to combat crime and insecurity.

Speaking at a security summit held at the Neni council secretariat, Ibekwe emphasized the need for collective action against negative narratives that could jeopardize security during the upcoming yuletide season in Anaocha and its surrounding areas.

He praised the Nigerian Police and Anaocha Vigilant for their dedication to security. He also thanked Governor Soludo for construction of Ekwulobia-Nanka-Agulu-Amawbia Road and the dualization of Agulu-Nnobi-Nnewi Road with streetlights.

Ibekwe highlighted other ongoing projects, such as the Agulu Lake tourism initiative, poised to transform Anaocha and Anambra into a premier tourist destination, driving growth and development.

He discussed Anaocha’s key projects: the Mass Transit system and an ultra-modern international market. He emphasized the “Aku-luo-uno” philosophy, fostering public-private partnerships for infrastructure growth and thanked Chief Benson Chinedu Madubuko for empowering over 50 individuals, reducing crime and unemployment.

ACP Albert Dike of the Aguata Area Command
assured the public of their maximum effort with necessary collaborations on ground to bring crime and insecurity to the nearest minimum.

In attendance were members of the Vigilante group of Anaocha, The Nigerian Police, ACP Albert Dike among others.

Okoye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

AIRCRAFT TO LAND AT NIGHT AT CHINUA ACHEBE AIRPORT AS ANSEC AWARDS KEY CONTRACTS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND SECURITY

In a significant move, the 34th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has adopted a series of measures to enhance security and development across the state.

Key Highlights:

1. Enhanced Security Measures: ANSEC has approved both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle insecurity, ensuring a safer environment for all residents.

2. Master Plan for Heritage Sites: A contract worth ₦125,807,290.63 has been awarded to Red Clay Consulting to develop a responsive and commercially viable master plan for Anambra’s heritage sites and tourist attractions.

3. Infrastructure Upgrades:

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital: The entrance gate will be reconstructed by Triseconds Resources Ltd. for ₦112,700,000:00 with completion expected in two months.

4. College of Nursing Sciences, Isuofia: Additional property clearing and fencing extension will be carried out at a cost of ₦150,692,345.91.

5. Airfield Lighting at Chinua Achebe International Airport: To facilitate night landings, a contract for the airfield lighting project has been awarded to Mercy Aviation Communication Electronics and Industries Nig Ltd. for ₦489,716,250, with a completion timeline of two weeks.

7. Power Supply Enhancements:

– Anambra Mix-Use Industrial City (AMIC), Ogboji: FrankTorch Nig Ltd. will extend the 33 KV line from the Oji-River sub-station for ₦1,742,706,051.91. Zamic Ventures Ltd. will install a dedicated injection sub-station for ₦1,240,500,000.

8. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University College of Medicine: El Bukelz Nig Ltd. will supply and install a 200 KVA/11KV transformer for ₦42,759,372.

9. Naval Base Renovation The Naval Base Complex at Iyiowa Odekpe, Ogbaru, will be renovated by El Bukelz Nig Ltd. for ₦76,244,438.35, with a two-month completion period.

10. Alex Ekwueme Square: Pazim Engineering Ltd will supply and install UV-resistant chairs at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, for ₦715,119,562.50, to be delivered in six weeks.

11. Anambra State Solution Data Platform: Octave Analytics and Insights Ltd will develop this platform for ₦97,087,625.

Signed,

Law Mefor, PhD

Commissioner for Information

November 12, 2024.

Expanding Connectivity: Anambra Accelerates Solution Wi-Fi Deployment

In alignment with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of “Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere,” the Anambra State Government has made significant progress in providing free, high-speed internet access across the state through the Solution Wi-Fi Initiative. This project is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that the Soludo administration adopted to drive Anambra’s digital revolution, ensuring that technological advancement benefits every resident.

Launched as a pilot with three strategic locations—Aroma Junction, Book Foundation, and School Gate Ifite—the Solution Wi-Fi Initiative has rapidly expanded, now connecting 14 additional locations across Anambra. This growth reflects the administration’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, giving students, businesses, and residents greater access to the online resources essential for learning, development, and economic empowerment.

The Solution Wi-Fi Initiative is driven by the Anambra State ICT Agency in collaboration with Pine Heights Systems Limited (PHSWEB). Through this partnership, the PPP model accelerates digital infrastructure development, empowering Anambra to lead in technology inclusion while optimizing resources and expertise.

As Solution Wi-Fi reaches more locations, connectivity is now available to a broader population. Governor Soludo’s administration envisions a state where internet access supports innovation, education, and economic growth, reinforcing the belief that digital inclusion is fundamental for social progress.

With each new location connected, the Solution Wi-Fi Initiative brings Anambra closer to a fully connected digital ecosystem. The state government remains committed to extending this network to even more areas, underscoring Governor Soludo’s vision for a tech-savvy state, that provides equitable access to technology and positions its citizens for success in the digital economy.

Together, the Anambra State Government and Pine Heights Systems Limited (PHSWEB) are setting the stage for a future where technology fosters growth, learning, and opportunity, making Anambra a beacon of digital transformation in Nigeria.

Is Solution Wi-Fi in your area now? Check the flyer, get connected, and share your experience with us!

Nwanodu Angela.N
PRO
Anambra State ICT Agency

GROUP LEADER COMMENDS MARKET CHAIRMAN FOR EMPOWERING PETTY TRADERS, NURSING MOTHERS

By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ngozi Okoli/Anakor Judith :

Group leader, Anambra State Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), a Civil Rights Activist, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme AMBP-UN, has lauded the Chairman Sokoto Road Market Traders Association, Hon.Emeka Mbachu for empowering some petty traders and nursing mothers during the Association’s end of the year praying session on Nov. 8, 2024.

Ezekwueme in his release said that Mbachu’s humanitarian, patriotic and selfless disposition deserved commendation and emulation, a clear indication that he came to serve not to be served.

“He has demonstrated in words and actions that he has the wherewithall to render selfless services and sacrifices for the interest and social welfare of traders and citizens. He has to the best of his ability protected interest of most of the petty traders, hawkers, cart and barrow pushers, jobbers, downtrodden and indigent citizens.

“Recently because of his wisdom and maturity, he saved the life of a thief about to be lynched by angry mob for pick pocketing and stealing.

“Information at our disposal indicates that last year, he provided bags of rice to some indigent traders and it is yearly event as part of his social responsibility. He also provided mother care items to some nursing mothers, gave grants of #100,000 each to four indigent petty traders.”

Appreciating his generosity and compassion, some of his executive , friends and associates raised another amount that makeup the total amount to #400,000 which each of the recipients went home happily with #100,000 each.

“He has justified the confidence reposed on him through his good works, compassion, care and concern for his members.”

Ezekwueme appealed to other market leaders and affluent individuals to emulate him saying, “one has not lived unless he lives for others and leadership is a call for service to humanity not for accumulation of wealth or for self-glorification to the detriment of the people, which is now a norm”.

According to John Holmes, There is no exercise better for the heart and humanity than reaching down and lifting people up which Hon. Mbachu has manifested through his humanitarian disposition.

“Let us collectively and collaboratively show love, empathy, charity and goodwill to one another in order to make our good better, our better best,” Ezekwueme posited.

*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

NONYE SOLUDO’S HEALTHY LIVING PAP: SOLUTION TO MALNUTRITION

By Ginika Oguji :

The Matron of Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC), Akwuzu, Oyi LGA, Mrs Josephine Ajaegbo has highlighted on the importance of eating right to mothers during the weekly antenatal care, maintaining that the Nonye Soludo healthy pap is a good solution to malnutrition.

The Matron while speaking on the need to live a healthy life, urged mothers to inculcate the Nonye Soludo healthy pap into the feeding plan of their babies.

Ajaegbo explained that United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), records Nigeria as the second highest country with stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 percent of children under five, while estimated 2 million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition which only a few of these children affected receive treatment.

The new natural pap is an intervention according to the Matron that offers all Anambra children the opportunity to grow healthy and overcome the threats of malnutrition.

Speaking further, she said that a well structured approach has been adopted for the distribution of the healthy pap across the 21 local government areas of the State, including a referral Centre in every council area where the meal can be accessed.

Each referral centre according to her develops a database that feeds a central database with information about collection, monitoring, and progress, while every child who is on the meal would be consistently monitored to ascertain their recovery progress.

She praised the Governor’s wife on her Non Governmental Organization, “Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo” which she said has continued to evolve interventions like the Saturday workout, distribution of farm seedlings, Nonye Soludo organic farm, Nonye Soludo school club and pad Bank initiative that supports the state government’s strategies in delivering effective results in the health sector, especially with the heavy impact of food insecurity as well as social and economic challenges across the country.

Nurse Chinasa Chukwueze, a registered midwife, teaching on the nutritional values of the pap explained that it contains all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for the healthy growth and development of babies. The meal according to her is made up of three special ingredients, namely: groundnut, corn, and soya beans, which are rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, fibre, protein and zinc. The Pap also boasts nutritional benefits like vitamins B1, B2, B3, and iron.

Nonye healthy pap according to her is easy to make, just mix with water, add to boiling water, heat and stir while boiling till it thickens and colour changes to golden brown.

It can be recalled that the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo on August 6, 2024 launched a natural ready-to-use baby food known as ‘Nonye Healthy Living Pap’ for children in the state to curb children’s malnutrition.

During the unveiling at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, Mrs Soludo said that the idea behind the initiative is to rescue children with special nutritional needs as well as a mitigation programme to address challenges of malnutrition.

Nonye’s Healthy Living Pap is a pure natural meal that contains basic dietary nutrients to help children who are dealing with acute or minor malnutrition.

*Ginika is of the Ministry of Information , Anambra State

ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY PASSES RESOLUTION TO ADDRESS HIGH COSTS OF TEXTBOOKS, UNIFORMS, AND EXTRAMURAL CLASSES

By Chizoba Okeke :

Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Education to engage public, private, and mission schools in the state to address the exorbitant costs of textbooks, school uniforms purchase from exclusively designated vendors and mandatory extramural classes.

The resolution was made following a motion moved by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme during the plenary session.

The Speaker, Rt Hon. Somotochukwu Udeze who presided over plenary read out the resolution and the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.

Hon. Ofodeme submitted that the current practices in Anambra State Primary and Secondary Schools of using textbooks as workbooks, uniform purchase from exclusively designated vendor and mandatory extramural classes place undue financial burdens on parents and guardians, particularly for families with multiple children in the same school or classes.

He argued that the trends are counterproductive and that the new introduction of textbooks and workbooks in one single volume especially is gradually killing the good culture of use of school libraries and families creating library in their homes.

He further said that the practice prevents families from utilizing textbooks across siblings, compelling them to purchase new copies for each child, regardless of their financial ability, thereby deepening educational inequality.

“These practices negates the state’s efforts to alleviate financial pressures on parents in line with our commitment to affordable and accessible education for all. The education policies in Anambra State should foster inclusivity, affordability, and sustainability in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said

The Member representing Ogbaru Constituency I, Hon. Noble Igwe, his Anambra East counterpart, Barr. Obi Nweke, the member representing Nnewi North Constituency, Hon. Augustine Ike among other lawmakers, described the motion as life changing and shared same experiences of exorbitant costs of textbooks and school uniforms from same vendor provided by the school.

*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

EMPOWERING EDUCATION: TINUBU’ WIFE, NONYE SOLUDO DONATE WRITING MATERIALS TO ANAMBRA SCHOOLS

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Dr Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo have supported education in Anambra hinterlands with the provision of writing materials

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Education, Anambra State, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh during the distribution exercise to state government schools in Awka North Local Government Area.

In this initial phase, four primary schools in Awka North were among the beneficiaries: Obuno Primary School, Ebenebe; Unity Primary School, Awba Ofemili; Agueke Primary School, Ugbenu; and Community Primary School, Ugbenu, 205.

Addressing the pupils during the event, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, explained that the materials were donated by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu through her Renewed Hope Initiative and Dr Nonye Soludo through the Healthy Living initiative.

Prof. Chuma-Udeh emphasized that the materials aimed to empower students in rural areas educationally and eliminate the challenge of studying without essential writing resources in these areas. She encouraged the pupils to study diligently to secure a brighter future.

Mrs. Agatha Ajuorah, Headteacher of Obuno Primary School in Ebenebe, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanking Dr. Nonye Soludo and Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She also commended Governor Charles Soludo for his commitment to ensuring that every child in Anambra State has access to quality education.

The event included interactive questions from the commissioner, with students rewarded for correctly stating the names of the First Ladies of Nigeria and Anambra State. The gathering echoed with enthusiastic chants of “Thank You, Mama Anambra” and “Thank You, Mama Nigeria” from excited students and teachers.

The distribution exercise was attended by the Ministry of Education’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, and board members from the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), and Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC).

* Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

HEADTEACHER DEMOTED OVER PERSISTENT ABSENCE IN AWKA NORTH

By Obiageli Nwankwo :

The headteacher of Unity Primary School in Awba Ofemili, Awka North LGA, Mrs. Bertha Chidebe has been demoted and directed to hand over her duties to the next senior officer, Mrs. Helen Okafor, due to consistent absence from her post.

This action was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, during the distribution of writing materials donated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Dr. Nonye Soludo to state-run primary schools in Anambra State.

The commissioner expressed disappointment with the poor condition of the school and, upon further investigation, found that the headteacher had been largely absent from her responsibilities.

During the visit, Prof. Chuma-Udeh observed that the school was in a state of neglect, with overgrown fields and classrooms in disrepair, some even missing roofs.

The commissioner urged community leaders and the town union to help renovate the school to create a safe and conducive environment for learning.

In a related visit, the commissioner also expressed concern over conditions at the Community Primary School in Ugbenu 205, where she noted that some students were leaving school before the official dismissal time of 1:30 p.m.

Furthermore, Prof. Chuma-Udeh announced that the state will conduct a re-evaluation and accreditation exercise for schools. She warned that any school failing to meet standard management practices will face consequences, including the demotion of its management or termination of employment.

* Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

DPO EKUASE ASSUMES COMMAND OF FEGGE POLICE STATION, WARNS CRIMINALS

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

A new Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Ekuase Monday, (SP), has taken over the Fegge Police station in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Southeast, urged residents to come up with useful information that will lead to arrest of criminals.

Reading the riot act to criminals, he stated that they better vacate the area in their own interest or be ready to meet their waterloo, assuring the informants that their identity would not be disclosed.

Mr. Monday who is transferred from Makurdi, Benue State capital, and hails from Edo State, reiterated that the area cannot be save haven for criminals, expressed satisfaction with the hospitality of the residents.

The new DPO who succeeded Mr. Uche Noah, (CSP), the immediate past DPO of the station, expressed satisfaction with the hospitality of the residents, pledged their support to ensure that the area is free of crime and criminality.

“They are really good people and I am going to work with them to ensure that the area is crime free.

“My warning to the criminals is that they should leave Fegge or meet their untimely death. With the cooperation of the residents we will work in synergy because fighting crime is everybody’s business, it is not left for the police or security operatives alone,” he stated.

He disclosed further that the type of hospitality and cooperation he received from the residents have not been experienced in places he had served, adding that he will not disappoint them and the police authority to find him worthy to serve in Fegge Police station.

* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *